❓ Mr. Barnett questions the Premier about outlawing flag desecration, citing a constitutional expert's view. The Premier deflects, linking the flag to civil liberties and criticising the opposition's past inaction on the issue.
AnsweredQoN 267Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
AUSTRALIAN FLAG, LEGISLATION TO OUTLAW DESECRATION 267. Mr C.J. BARNETT to the Premier: I ask a supplementary question. There is nothing wrong with standing up for the country’s flag. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr F.M. Logan: Don’t you have anything more important to ask? Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP
AnswerView source ↗
I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
AUSTRALIAN FLAG, LEGISLATION TO OUTLAW DESECRATION
I ask a supplementary question. There is nothing wrong with standing up for the country’s flag. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr F.M. Logan: Don’t you have anything more important to ask? Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr F.M. Logan: Don’t you have anything more important to ask? Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr F.M. Logan: Don’t you have anything more important to ask? Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
Mr F.M. Logan: Don’t you have anything more important to ask? Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
AUSTRALIAN FLAG, LEGISLATION TO OUTLAW DESECRATION
I ask a supplementary question. There is nothing wrong with standing up for the country’s flag. Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr F.M. Logan: Don’t you have anything more important to ask? Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
Several members interjected. The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr F.M. Logan: Don’t you have anything more important to ask? Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
The SPEAKER: Order, members! Mr F.M. Logan: Don’t you have anything more important to ask? Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
Mr F.M. Logan: Don’t you have anything more important to ask? Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: I think the Australian flag is important. The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
The SPEAKER: Supplementary questions do not include any preamble, nor do they involve a massive number of interjections. Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
Mr C.J. BARNETT: Is the Premier aware that noted constitutional expert Professor Greg Craven remarked on an ABC radio program this morning that a ban on burning the Australian flag would not in any way impact on freedom of expression? Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
Dr G.I. GALLOP replied: I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
I am not aware of that view. It is a contentious view. Other constitutional lawyers take a different point of view. Our country today faces a challenge, which relates to the act of terrorism that occurred in Bali. How do we meet that challenge? The way to meet that challenge is to unite all our people around our system of government. What do I see when I see the Australian flag? I see a symbol of civil liberty. It is a flag which reflects the traditions of British liberty on the one side, the geographic location of Australia on the other, and the merger of the two to create the greatest democracy in the world. Members on this side of the House will defend that democracy as we have always done in the history of this nation. There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
There is a lack of imagination by conservatives in Australia. The conservatives were in government from 1993 to 2000. Was this issue raised then? Did they introduce legislation into the Parliament? The Australian Labor Party stands for the liberty of the people. That is what unites our nation and our people. This issue is a distraction by the conservatives, and that is how it will be seen.
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